'Stand firm as a wall against our enemies'

Netanyahu stands next to Israeli soldiers during ceremony marking Memorial Day

Reuters

The State Memorial Ceremony for Israel's Fallen Soldiers took place this morning for the first time in the State Memorial Hall on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, with participation of the Prime Minister, the President of Israel, and the heads of the security forces.

Netanyahu addressed the families of the fallen and told them: "The love of the people lies every day with your loved ones and ours, especially today.

"All of us; Jews, Druze, Christians, Muslims, Bedouins, and Circassians stand together against the terror fanatics who threaten to destroy us and together we will continue to defeat them. An IDF orphan child asked me this week what I think about in those moments when I send soldiers to battle. I told him that I think about the security of the country and its citizens. I think about the soldiers. I think of you and families like yours that are liable to pay the heaviest price. I think of my comrades-in-arms who fell beside me, about David Ben Hamu of Beersheba who died in my arms," the Prime Minister added.

He said, "I always think about the price and how losses can be prevented, and at the same time I know that without the heroism and sacrifice of our fighters, we cannot guarantee our existence. In moments of trial, we must defend our existence firmly, to stand as a wall against our enemies.Thanks to the 23,646 fallen soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces, whose names are on this wall, because of them we are here.

"When Independence Day events begin, our flag will rise again, the sons and daughters, our loved ones who have fallen, will be with us. In light of the fallen of Israel's wars, we will aspire to reach their stature," the Prime Minister concluded.